Mercury Advisory

In May of 2007, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a Mercury Advisory for Boyd Lake. This advisory applies ONLY to walleye measuring 29 inches or larger, and does not apply to the water itself. Swimming, boating, and related activities are not affected by the advisory.

In February, 2008, in response to the mercury advisory, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission began the process of determining what actions may be required to mitigate mercury found in Boyd Lake and a number of other Larimer County lakes. The first step in this process is the listing of the lake as being among the waterways of concern in Colorado. The listing (called a 303(d) Listing) allows the commission to begin studying the amount of mercury to more accurately determine current mercury levels in the lake. Once these studies are completed, which may take several years, the commission will decide if further action is necessary with regards to mercury in Boyd Lake.

Colorado State Parks and Boyd Lake State Park fully support the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission’s mission to protect one of our state’s most precious natural resources. Boyd Lake State Park has participated in water quality testing in Boyd Lake for many years and will continue to do so.

The continued safety of park visitors is the highest priority for Colorado State Parks staff, and will not be compromised in any way. There is no evidence suggesting that mercury levels in Boyd Lake present a threat to park visitors as long as they observe the recommendations set forth in the mercury advisory set forth by the CDPHE.

Boyd Lake State Park is proud to be a premiere recreational facility of the Front Range area. The park is open year round for your enjoyment. Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and other activities are all available.

Additional information regarding mercury levels in Boyd Lake will be posted as it becomes available.

What's biting at Boyd Lake State Park? Check our Conditions Page for current fishing conditions. We normally update the conditions page every week. In genenral every season Fishermen have luck pulling perch, blue gill, crappie and small mouth bass out in several locations around Boyd Lake. Perch are normally  active at depths of 15 feet and blue gill and crappie are usually out near the pumphouse at the south end of the lake. There is also a great deal of luck for those fishing around the channel of incoming water near the Marina.

Benefits of Eating Fish Fish is an important part of any balanced diet. It provides a good sourse of protein that doesn't contain high amounts of saturated fat that many other meat products do. Fish is also unique in that it also contains vital omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart, brain and eye health, and are an important part of a healthy diet. For most people, the benefits of eating fish out weigh the risk of limited mercury consumption.